A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to pay a fine of N500,000 for delays in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Hamza Muazu imposed the cost on Tuesday after the prosecution failed to present its witness at the resumed hearing, citing repeated adjournments that have slowed the trial.
The judge, however, granted what he described as a final adjournment to enable the EFCC to produce its witness and proceed with the case.
Emefiele is currently facing a 20-count amended charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and obtaining money by false pretence.
Among the allegations, the former apex bank chief is accused of fraudulently obtaining $6.23 million purportedly meant for international election observers during the 2023 general elections. He is also alleged to have conferred undue advantages on two firms—April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, prosecuting counsel Abba Mohammed (SAN) informed the court that the scheduled witness, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, was absent due to another court engagement involving a personal legal matter.
He told the court that steps had been taken to formally request the witness’s presence through the Inspector-General of Police and sought an adjournment.
However, defence counsel Matthew Burkaa (SAN) opposed the request, arguing that the prosecution had already exceeded the number of adjournments permitted under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
Burkaa maintained that the EFCC had been granted multiple adjournments despite earlier securing accelerated hearing, adding that the prosecution had ample time to prepare its witnesses.
In his ruling, Justice Muazu agreed that the law limits adjournments but noted that the court retains discretion in the interest of justice, particularly in a case of such magnitude.
Citing provisions of the ACJA, the judge sanctioned the prosecution for delays and awarded a N500,000 cost against the EFCC.
The case was subsequently adjourned to April 27 and 28 for continuation of trial.
